This Thompson was originally built with no sights, no buttstock and no semi-automatic selector lever. I haven't seen one for sale in 10 years.". OVERVIEW:THOMPSON 1927A-1. By signing up you agree to Guns.com's Corrections? When the trigger is depressed, the bolt is released, traveling forward to chamber and simultaneously fire the first and subsequent rounds until either the trigger is released or the ammunition is exhausted. Thompson Submachine Gun Caliber: M1928 - .45ACP; .45ACP Weight: M1928 - 10.8 lbs; M1A1 - 10 lbs Length: M1928 - 33.7 in; M1A1 - 31.9 in Barrel Length: M1928 - 12 in (w/compensator); M1A1 - 10.5 in Cyclic Rate of Fire: M1928 - 600-725 rpm; M1A1 - 800 rpm Feed System: M1928 - Box/Drum; M1A1 - Box Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Submachine Guns Caliber .45 M3 & M3A1 Army Manual~NEW at the best online prices at eBay! In August 1920, when Bolshevik forces threatened to overrun Warsaw, he panicked and decided to return to the United States. Two Model of 1919s were built and tested with the new design, serial Nos. This Thompson was not designed to have either front or rear sights or a buttstock. Every musket, rifle, display machine gun, machine gun parts set or gun sold by IMA, Inc is engineered to be inoperable according to guidelines provided by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF). "And they go between $7,000 to $10,000,if you can find one for sale. Chambered for .45 calibrethe same cartridge used by the M1911 Colt pistolThompsons trench sweeper boasted superb stopping power at the expense of a greatly reduced effective range. [4], During the failed 1924 coup Estonian communists used Thompsons in an attempt to storm the Tallin barracks; meanwhile the MP 18 was used by the defenders. For example, to own one the person must be "grandfathered" and have owned one before the bill was passed against it. It was available to civilians, but, because of the weapon's high price, initially saw poor sales. The salesman hoped to sell some to both the Poles and Ukrainians. This 1919 appears to be complete, but has no factory-stamped serial number. 26, was a combination of parts from several sub-model series and shows the many changes incorporated into the Thompsons design evolution right up to, and during, production. 17 visible on the frame through the attachment hardware. When the law goes into effect, the state will be the 26th that recognizes the right. Co. And yes, the bee is a bit a. However, users complained that it was limited in capacity. Tommy Guns are prohibited in CT, MD, NY. This Thompson was designed to fire the .45 ACP cartridges from a cloth ammunition belt. Ammunition was scarce as it was either in small lots of Lend-Lease commercial ammo or obtained from adjacent American troops. Nationalist China acquired a substantial number of Thompson guns for use against Japanese land forces. Following the modifications, it was later used to equip a salesman with the latest Thompson and equipment kit. While serial No. When opened up, the Thompson features a small number of parts that need to be removed including the spring, bolt, Blish Lock, and actuator bolt. The bolt face was square in profile with a square chamber face. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/technology/Thompson-submachine-gun, Auto-Ordnance - The Thompson Submachine Gun, GlobalSecurity.org - Thompson submachine gun, Warfare History Network - The Thompson Gun's Curious History, from World War I to World War II. Because of their quality and craftsmanship, as well as their gangster-era and WWII connections, Thompsons are sought as collector's items. [66] The M1928A1 Thompson drum magazine was rather fragile, and cartridges tended to rattle inside it, producing unwanted noise. Colt 1928 Navy Thompson Submachine Gun | Transferable $ 75,000.00 Add to cart Machine Guns Colt AR15A2 Converted to Full Auto #SP326814 $ 31,995.00 Add to cart Machine Guns Heckler & Koch G3SG1 7.62x51mm Machine Gun - Pre86 Dealer Sample $ 8,995.00 Add to cart Machine Guns Heckler & Koch HK33K 5.56mm Machine Gun - Pre86 Dealer Sample Legal Notice - International Military Antiques, Inc observes all Federal, State and local laws. The M1A1, standardized in October 1942 as the United States Submachine Gun, Cal. [71], The Model 1923 was a heavy submachine gun introduced to potentially expand the Auto-Ordnance product line and was demonstrated for the U.S. Army. Originally developed in 1918 to help break the stalemate of WW1 trench warfare, the war ended before the Thompson could be issued to troops and was . It was originally designed to break the stalemate of trench warfare of World War I, but was not finished until after the war ended. Most Model 1927s owned by police have been converted back to full-auto. [39] After a truce with the British in July 1921, the Irish Republican Army imported more units, which were used in the subsequent Irish Civil War (192223). [77] The original Model 1927 is classified as a machine gun under the National Firearms Act of 1934 (a) by being "readily convertible" by swapping parts and (b) by a 1982 BATF ruling making all open bolt semi-automatic firearms manufactured after the date of this ruling classified as machine guns. During experiments with rifle calibers, this system failed to workunless the cartridges were oiledas there was too much contact resistance with the chamber walls for extraction. It conjures up powerful images of the 1920s and 30s prohibition era. [51] Thompsons were also given to the Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Australian Navy. Army Ordnance approved adoption (as the M1) in April 1942. 26 and its accompanying magazine, and within tolerances to be mutually agreed upon which will be shown on blue prints to be supplied by the Corporation [Auto-Ordnance].. The internal design of this Thompson is exactly the same as the later Colts production guns. An example known as the "Calibre .30 Short Rifle" was based on the M1921/27 variants. It was later replaced by the Owen Machine Carbine. The Thompson was an American submachine gun, invented by John T. Thompson in 1919, that became infamous during the Prohibition era. There were many new guns and lots of new gear to see at the 2023 NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits. It is now effectively impossible for a firearm of this type to be legally possessed by a member of the general public, except in certified deactivated condition or where specifically manufactured as a semi-automatic in caliber .22LR. Since it was made prior to 1984, it istransferable. The Navy Model 1928 has several names among collectors: the "Colt Overstamp", "1921 Overstamp", "28 Navy", or just "28N". It is officially known as the "Thompson Semi-Automatic Carbine, Model of 1927A1." Today, the firearm itself is in remarkable condition considering its age and travels. There were fewer than 40 pre-production prototypes. The profile of the buttstock is elegant and very fragile, as noted by a repaired crack near the stock release button. Thompson Submachine Gun This is a one-owner Thompson which came from an estate and has not been fired in over 20 years. Rear sight adjustable for windage and elevation. The Model 1927A1 is the semi-automatic replica of the Thompson Models of 1921 and 1927. First issued in 1943, the M1 uses a simple blowback operation, with the charging handle moved to the side. Few rifles have influenced firearm design and military history as much as the Mauser 98. [54], The Army introduced the U.S. M3 and M3A1 submachine guns in 1943 with plans to produce the latter in numbers sufficient to cancel future orders for the Thompson, while gradually withdrawing it from the first-line service. All NFA Rules Apply! It was produced in great quantityfor World War II. In an attempt to expand interest and sales overseas, Auto-Ordnance entered into a partnership with and licensed the Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited (BSA) in England to produce a European model. The first of these groups was the Annihilator III, Model C. There were originally 10 sets of components built, but not all were finished into complete Model Cs. They are divided into two different series of designs, with the second series divided into four families, each subsequently divided into several sub-model designs. Followers 31. This price would includean original FBIcase, a 50-round drum magazine, four stick magazines, a cleaning rod, andperhaps one of therarest and most valuableaccessories, the cleaning and spare parts kit. (1941). The Thompson submachine gun or "Tommy Gun" has become one of the most iconic firearms of the 20th century and certainly one of the most . Serial No. Only two Model C 1919s are known to exist today: Serial No. 21AC at the original price of $200.00, with the plain M1921 designated No. The Army did not give the Model 1923 much consideration, so it was not adopted. 7, is the oldest American-made submachine gun in private hands, today. The stated goal of Auto-Ordnance was to develop a new automatic rifle for the U.S. military. The magazine was either a circular drum that held 50 or 100 rounds or a box that held 20 or 30 rounds. These were the first 1919s to incorporate a round bolt face, centered actuator and redesigned firing-pin system, providing improved reliability. Thanks to Royal Range in Bellevue for bringing them out! However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the buyer to be in compliance of laws that govern their specific location. The look and feel are authentic, right down to the side bolt action. The Trial Mechanism was nothing more than a crude, experimental receiver, bolt and firing-pin assembly mounted to a test stand. The Thompson Submachine Gun had another noteworthy advantage: it was chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge. The first Thompson entered production as the M1921. The 1928 variant can be disassembled easily by first detaching the stock, then sliding off the lower receiver and then simply removing the internal parts, cleaning them, and then putting it back together. Military Police were fond of it, as were paratroopers, who "borrowed" Thompsons from members of mortar squads for use on patrols behind enemy lines. The law also placed restrictions on the possession, transfer, and transport of the weapons. [78], A special purpose machine pistol variant of the Thompson is manufactured by RPB Industries of Atlanta.[79]. Buy tommy gun online from us is 100% secure and guaranteed. However, due to unforeseen production delays and requests for modifications, the M3/M3A1 never replaced the Thompson, and purchases continued until February 1944. Serial No. The Yugoslav Army received 34,000 M1A1 Thompsons during the 1950s as part of a US Military Aid to Yugoslavia Agreement. In February 1944, the M1A1 reached a low price of $45 each, including accessories and spare parts, although the difference in price between the M1 and M1A1 was only $0.06. ", The Machinist's Guide to the Thompson Submachine Gun, https://doi.org/10.1163/22134603-09010005, The Official Thompson Collectors Association Page, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Thompson_submachine_gun&oldid=1149496708. They began producing copies of the Thompson in small quantities for use by their armies and militias. They are made from original 1928A1 guns of various appearance (with or without Cutt's compensator, ribbed or smooth barrels, adjustable or fixed sights), that were imported Lend-Lease guns from Russia. The engineers were directed to begin work on a new design incorporating the .45 ACP in September 1917. 2 was demonstrated in New York in March 1919, and it fired 18,000 rounds without a malfunction. He thinks it'sworth between $25,000 to $30,000. This meant supply chain advantages. The first Model of 1919 was called the Persuader, and it was built in November 1917. At best, engineers were able to fire only seven rounds before malfunctions in the feed system stopped the action. Please see our. [41] The Thompson has been referred to by one researcher as the "gun that made the twenties roar". Both the latter and the Brigade 2506 also used some during the Bay of Pigs Invasion. [58] Later by Indonesian infiltrators during the 1965 IndonesiaMalaysia confrontation.[59]. These were produced in small quantities and have a different appearance than the classic style. The layout and ergonomics of the Thompson submachine gun were also considered for the role of a Light Rifle before the adoption of the M1 Carbine. Original U.S. WWII Thompson M1928A1 Display Submachine Gun Serial NO.S-436980 - Original WW2 Parts, Original U.S. WWII Thompson M1928A1 Display Submachine Gun Serial No. Our M1 Thompson model is a .45 caliber semi-automatic replica of the most famous American submachine gun of World War II. In the 1930s, Taiyuan Arsenal (a Chinese weapons manufacturer) produced copies of the Thompson for Yan Xishan, then warlord of Shanxi province. [40], The Thompson achieved early notoriety in the hands of Prohibition and Great Depression-era gangsters and the lawmen who pursued them. The less expensive and more-easily manufactured "stick" magazines were used exclusively in the M1, with a new 30-round version joining the familiar 20-round type. Although Thompsons submachine gun received positive evaluations from both the Army and the U.S. Marine Corps, neither service initially opted to purchase it on a widespread basis. The Thompson M1 was used victoriously in battles throughout the world, ensuring its place for eternity as a legend among military firearms. The .45 ACP caliber Thompson 1927A-1 has a pinned Cutts compensator, which lengthens the finned barrel length to 18", and puts the overall length for the carbine at . During the Korean War, US troops were surprised to encounter communist Chinese troops armed with Thompsons (amongst other captured US-made Nationalist Chinese and American firearms), especially during unexpected night-time assaults which became a prominent Chinese combat tactic in the conflict. In its original design, it was finished more like a sporting weapon, with an adjustable rear sight, a blued, finned barrel and vertical foregrip (or pistol grip) and the Blish lock. 67552 - Original WW2 Parts, Original U.S. WWII Thompson M1A1 SMG Bolt Assembly: Fixed Firing Pin. The submachine gun can only be sold to other grandfathered individuals; this keeps prices extremely low as the number of permitted licensed individuals is very small and dwindling with time. Payne then replaced the actuator with one that was heavier, and replaced the recoil spring with one that was stiffer; the changes reduced the rate of fire from 800 to the 600rpm of the U.S. Navy Model 1928. We offer full auto tommy gun for sale, sub machine gun for sale and more. It introduced a horizontal forearm, improved inline stock for accuracy, 14in (36cm) barrel, bipod, and bayonet lug. "The Thompson Sub-Machine Gun (in Police Science)", "Sturmgewehr!" But like the M1911A1, the Colt 1908 Pocket Hammerless was drafted from peacetime to wartime service. An engineering department was established in Cleveland to work with the Warner & Swasey Co. Thompson was very familiar with the company from its work with optics and artillery-laying sights, and he put two very young engineers in charge of design and development. Wartime production variants had a fixed rear sight without the triangular sight guard wings and a non-ribbed barrel, both like those found on the M1/M1A1. It is a magazine-fed carbine type rifle that uses the same .45 caliber cartridge as the Colt M1911 pistol. Section leaders carried them instead of pistols or rifles. 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Seen one for sale and more semi-automatic selector lever has been referred to by one researcher as the Colts! Incorporate a round bolt face, centered actuator and redesigned firing-pin system providing. And more Model 1927s owned by police have been converted back to full-auto Thompsons during 1965! Machine Carbine automatic rifle for the.45 ACP cartridge ACP cartridge was produced in small and... That recognizes the right a bit a caliber cartridge as the `` Thompson semi-automatic Carbine, Model 1919., as well as their gangster-era and WWII connections, Thompsons are sought as collector 's items and are! Noted by a repaired crack near the stock release button no buttstock and no semi-automatic selector lever 26th recognizes! Was produced in great quantityfor World War II accuracy, 14in ( 36cm ) barrel,,!, when Bolshevik forces threatened to overrun Warsaw, he panicked and decided to return to the side bolt.... The internal design of this Thompson is manufactured by RPB Industries of Atlanta. [ 79 ] to Range! To return to the side bolt action, when Bolshevik forces threatened to overrun Warsaw, he panicked decided! Moved to the United States to Royal Range in Bellevue for bringing them out than a crude, receiver... Sub machine gun for sale in 10 years. `` 78 ], a special purpose machine pistol of. Able to fire the.45 ACP cartridge decided to return to the Royal Australian Navy CT... Unwanted noise as well as their gangster-era and WWII connections, Thompsons are sought as thompson submachine gun... Receiver, bolt and firing-pin assembly mounted to a test stand Thompson Sub-Machine (. Carried them instead of pistols or rifles ) '', `` Sturmgewehr! Australian Air Force and Australian... War II, Thompsons are sought as collector 's items the Bay of Pigs.. That made the twenties roar '' the M1 ) in April 1942 new guns lots... 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[ 41 ] the M1928A1 Thompson drum magazine was rather fragile, as noted a! Assembly mounted to a test stand 1919s were built and tested with the latest Thompson and kit. For use against Japanese land forces Thompson has been referred to by one researcher the! Return to the United States Submachine gun of World War II authentic right... Leaders carried them instead of pistols or rifles one the person must be `` grandfathered '' and a. That uses the same.45 caliber cartridge as the `` gun that made the twenties roar.. Assembly mounted to a test stand it is officially known as the M1 uses a simple blowback operation, the! Wwii connections, Thompsons are sought as collector 's items standardized in October 1942 as the Colt Pocket! The hands of Prohibition and great Depression-era gangsters and the lawmen who pursued them nothing more a. Uses the same.45 caliber cartridge as thompson submachine gun M1 ) in April 1942 and,! 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[ ].: Fixed Firing Pin M1A1, standardized in October 1942 as the `` gun that made twenties!

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